B3 is my 2nd favorite place to get coffee in Hokkaido. Here's why.

First of all, as a mom & pop shop (literally, but the 3rd Black of B3 is their daughter) it is very much customer-focused...whoever you are, you get a big welcome when you arrive, and it's the kind of place where they quickly get to know your name and when time permits, you can have a great chat about all kinds of topics--from local information, ski areas, the best places to eat, world new, politics---whatever your cup of tea. Well, cup of coffee...and when it comes to coffee, no one is more knowledgeable and demanding than the Blacks, Not least of all as representatives of coffee-crazy Australia. Whether it's the origin, roast, grind, temperature, etc. that go into a great cup, they know and are happy to explain their stuff. So, if you don't know what a flat white, a piccolo or magic are, you can learn the processes, and even better, the different tastes. All of which is a bit eye-opening for an American, where cheap coffee may have been simmering for hours or expensive coffee is ultra bitter and served with an excess of snarkiness. In contrast, B3 is full-on friendly and has far and away the best coffee in Otaru.

Which begs the question, why not my #1 coffee joint? That's simple...location. While they have a convenient spot replete with parking in town, I usually prefer making a quick cup in my own house on one of Otaru's hills, and though my little machine can't even approach what they offer, it's here and doable every day. B3 I save as a nice luxury for myself when I have time for a chat and a laugh.